01 Dec 2022  |   08:14am IST

Raia Panchayat inspects hillock after locals complain about dumping of garbage, drug use in the area

Team Herald

MARGAO: Following complaints raised by the residents of Arlem and Raia over the issue of illegal dumping of garbage and other related problems at a hillock in the village, the Raia Village Panchayat carried out an inspection on Wednesday.

It may be recalled that Herald had also highlighted this issue.

Speaking to Herald after the inspection, Raia Sarpanch Judas Quadros pointed out that they had taken up the issue at 

their meeting, following which they had conducted this inspection.

“It was a lengthy inspection, where we looked at four issues. The first was about the dumping of garbage. The second was the construction in that area and unauthorized hill cutting. And the fourth was about the drug consumption activity that takes place there,” said Quadros.

 While locals had caught people dumping garbage illegally at the hillock, Quadros said their investigations clearly suggested that anti-social activities like public smoking and drug consumption are taking place in the open area atop of the hill.  

 “The panchayat secretary has written a report and that is being sent to the concerned departments. We will also be following up on this,” Quadros added.

The Sarpanch further added that they met the party carrying out construction in the area they had inspected. He added that it was a productive discussion as the pertinent issues were identified and a consensus was arrived upon, regarding the proposed plan of action.

Quadros reiterated that all the concerns of the local residents were investig-ated thoroughly during the inspection.